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When you suffer personal injuries you need to concentrate on your recovery, not the law. When you hire a personal injury attorney, they have the legal knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fees unless they win your case.
When meeting an attorney for the first time, you want to question them about your case, their experience, and more. If you are wondering what to ask an injury lawyer, keep reading.
1.What Is My Case Worth?
When attending the consultation take your medical records, medical bills, and any long-term prognosis on your recovery. Also provide any wage loss, replacement services you need, and anything else pertaining to your case. This will help the attorney estimate the value of your case.
2. Do You Have Experience With This Type of Case?
Just like there are a wide variety of apples with different tastes and uses, there are a wide variety of personal injury attorneys. Some firms specialize in specific types of personal injury, such as bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, or truck accidents.
There are other firms, such as Sweetlaw.com, that have a team of personal injury attorneys. Different attorneys specialize in different personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall, defective products, medical malpractice, and more.
3. How Long Will It Take to Complete My Case?
Most personal injury matters reach a resolution before going to trial. Discovery is the most lengthy step in the litigation process. The time it takes to resolve your case will depend on a variety of factors. These include the point you will reach full recovery, how cooperative the insurance company or opposing counsel is, and more. Personal injury lawsuits generally range between 1-2 years.
4. How Many Personal Injury Cases Have You Taken to Trial?
In the United States, about 95% of all personal injury cases reach an out-of-court settlement. It is always possible you may have to go to trial. According to the U.S. Government, 90% of cases that go to trial lose.
You want an attorney who is familiar with and has experience in presenting cases at trial.
5. Who Will Be Working On My Case?
In large law firms, it is not uncommon for an attorney or paralegal to handle the intake, and another attorney handles the case. Ask if the person you are speaking with is who will be in charge of your case. Ask if there are other persons on staff who may serve as the main point of contact. This may include a legal assistant, paralegal, or legal intern.
6. Do You Have References or Testimonials?
Injury lawyers often have a section on their website that includes testimonials or case outcomes. You may also find testimonials online by googling the name of the attorney.
To find out if there are any complaints or other actions taken against the attorney, visit the state bar association website. Search the attorney’s name for information on the attorney including any suspensions or actions taken.
7. What Is Your Fee Arrangement and if I Lose Am I Responsible for Any Expenses?
Personal injury cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that a percentage of your settlement or amount won at trial will go to the attorney for their fee. This will be spelled out in your fee agreement.
The fee agreement will also specify any out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for. This may include things such as copy fees, postage, medical record costs, medical liens, and filing fees.
Knowing What to Ask an Injury Attorney
Knowing what to ask an injury attorney is important when you are meeting the lawyer for the first time. It is always a good idea to write out your questions ahead of time and take your list with you. In addition to general questions, you may have other inquires unique to your situation.
We invite you to check out our other blogs for more great information on a wide variety of subjects.
